11. “I’m Like a Bird,” Nelly Furtado (Whoa, Nelly, 2000)
Nelly Furtado’s “I’m Like a Bird” celebrates not being able to commit. After all, you’re just a bird that’s going to fly away. And like a bird, you don’t have a permanent home and will briefly land only to check out the scene. It’s not the kind of person anyone wants to date, but Nelly makes it sound so achingly beautiful and romantic.
12. “Single,” Natasha Bedingfield (Unwritten, 2004)
Bedingfield’s “Single” is straightforward. It’s about enjoying her single status and declaration of independence. Her lyrics are empowering: “I’m not waitin’ around for a man to save me / ‘Cause I’m happy where I am / Don’t depend on a guy to validate me / I don’t need to be anyone’s baby / Is that so hard to understand? / No I don’t need another half to make me whole.” Being single means plenty of opportunities where no one drags you down. In “Single”‘s chorus, Bedingfield rightly croons, “Right now a star’s in the ascendant.”
13. “Riding Solo,” Jason Derulo (Jason Derulo, 2010)
Jason Derulo makes riding solo look good. In this upbeat dance song, Derulo sings, “No one to answer to, no one that’s gonna argue, no.” He also sings, “I’m feeling like a star / You can’t stop my shine / I’m loving cloud nine / My head’s in the sky. I’m solo / I’m riding solo, I’m riding solo / I’m riding solo, solo.” Now if riding solo is this fun, we’re going to do it more often.
14. “I Will Survive,” Gloria Gaynor (Love Tracks, 1978)
Strangely, Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive” was originally a B-side to another song, but DJs at the time played this soaring anthem instead. This song became famous for Gaynor’s ability to sing the song without any background singers, delivering the powerful song with the force it needed. Of course, all of us love this song for its message: “I will survive / As long as I know how to love / I know I’ll stay alive / I’ve got all my life to live / And all my love to give and I’ll survive / I, I, I will survive.” The song is so potent that it’s impossible to sing without feeling good about yourself.
Did we miss a song? Share your single anthem below!